Party telephone-line.



- PATENTED FEB. 6, 1906.

B. A. BUELL. I PARTY TELEPHONE LINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAILI'T. 1905.

mafia dward 15 mew UNTTE STA PAET lFlilCE.

PARTY TELEPldONE-"LlhlEu Specification of Letters Patent.

lPatented Feb. 6, .1906.

Application filed March 17, 1905. Serial No. 250,621.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD A. BUELL, a citizen of Canada, residing atDekalb, in the county of Dekalb and State of Illinois, have invented acertain new and useful Improvement in Party .l.elephone-Lines, of whichthe following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description,reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of thisspecification.

My invention relates to party telephonelines, and has for its generalobject the provision of improved apparatus and circuits whereby thesubstations of a party-line are most effectively and accuratelycontrolled from the exchange.

In practicing my invention I employ an. electromagnet that serves tooperate astepby-step circuit-controlling switching mechanism at eachsubstation and another electromagnet that governs the circuit relationsof the aforesaid electromagnet and operated from the exchange, wherebythe operation of the first aforesaid electromagnet at one station may beprevented while the operation of another selecting device at anotherstation upon the line may be continued until both stations that are tobe placed in telephonic ponnection are properly related to the party-Another object of my invention is to clear certain of theelectromagnetic mechanism from the line, whereby line loss may bereduced. i

In practicing my invention I term a selecting-magnet,

I employ what which when energized preferably does not cause theoperation of the ratchet-wheel that forms a part of the selectingmechanism, but which desirably causes the operating-pawl to ride over atooth of the ratehet-wheel, so that when the magnet is deenergized aretractile spring to which the magnet is opposed may effect the reversemovement of the pawl to operate the ratchet-wheel one step. Thisoperation of the selector-magnet and the pawl is effected for eachmovement of the ratchet-wheel. There is provided upon the ratchet-wheela post or finger adapted to be brought into mechanical relation with anumber of circuitcontrolling switches or springs, the distances betweensaid post and said springs varying at the different stations, so that,for example, at station No. 1 a movement of the ratchetwheel two stepswill bring the post into connection with the springs, at station No. 2 a

movement of the ratchet-wheel three steps will bring the post intoconnection with the springs, and so on throughout the line. Thesecircuit-controlling springs or switches govern the association of thesignal at the station where said springs are located with thetelephoneline. The final movement of the ratchet-wheel at a selectedstation thus mechanically accomplished establishes a circuit through themagnet that governs the circuit of the seleetoranagnet, whereafteranother operation is performed at the exchangeto operate thegorwrning-magnet to open the circuit of the selector-magnet and maintainthe same open, as the said governing-magnet desirably effects a latchingengagement between an element coupled with the element that opens thecircuit of the seleetor-1nagnet and a detent that is preferablystationary.

I will explain my invention more fully by reference to the accompanyingdrawings, showing a preferred embodiment, in which- Figure 1 is ageneral diagrammatic view illustrating an a' iplication of the inventionto a party-line, but one station of the party-line being'indicated. Fig.2 illustrates a portion of the mechanism looking from the end there of.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughoutthe different figures.

The party telephone-line extends by its limbs 1 2 from a plurality oftelephone-stations, a single station A being indicated in connectionwith the line, though the relations of the other stations with the linewill readily be understood. The limbs 1 2 of the line may terminate inthe sleeve and. tip contact-springs of a line-jack 3, that may beprovided with. back contacts to include some suitable form ofline-signal 1, which in the embodiment of the invention illustrated is alow wound drop. At the exchange there are provided plugs 5 6, that maybe used for uniting subscribers lines in conversation, an operatorstelephone outfit 7 being indicated in association with one end of thecord-circuit, while the other end of the cord-circuit is designed forassociation with the alternating or wave-for1n current generator 8, thebatteryseetion 9, and the battery-section 10, according to themanipulation of the springs 1 1 12 by the operators key 13 and accordingto the manipulation of the mastenkey 14 and the springs 15 16 17 1Soperable thereby. Any suitable form of clearing-out indicator, as a drop19, of lowresistance and high impedance, desirably in bridge of thecord-circuit, may be employed. In starting, it may be well to say thatthe battery-section 9 effects the operation of the selecting-magnet 21(for convenience having its winding illustrated in Fig. 1 inlongitudinal section) at each station, while the battery-sections 9 10together serve to operate the governing-magnet 22, while the wave-formgenerator8 operates the releasingmagnet 23.

Before describing the operation of the magnets 21 22 23 some referencewill be made to their construction and interrelation, the constructionshown being one of the many forms that may be used. The magnet 21 ispreferably in the form of a solenoid whose bore is desirably lined witha non-magnetic substance, as a tube of brass 24, having fixed thereto astationary section 25 ofan iron core. A movable section 26 of the ironcore travels within the tube 24 and is normally maintained against anabutment 27 by a spring 28. Abar 29 is secured to the movablecore-section 26 and desirably projects over the winding of magnet 21, asindicated clearly in Figs. 1 and 2, the said bar 29 carrying anactuating-pawl 30, that rides over a tooth of the ratchet-wheel 31 uponeach attraction of the core-section 26, which pawl is restored by thespring 28 when the magnet 21 is deenergized to effect the movement ofthe wheel 3 1 one tooth, a dog 32 preventing a return of the wheel 31until the magnet 23 is operated to remove the dog from its associationwith the wheel 31, as will hereinafter appear. The magnet 22 in Fig. 1similarly has its winding shown in lon itudinal section for the sake ofclearness of i lustration. It also is provided with a lining ofnon-magnetic material, preferably a brass tube 33, to which is secured acore-section 34 of iron and in which is adapted to reciprocate acore-section 35, normally maintained against a stop 36 by a retractilespring 37. This core-section carries a bar 38, projecting over the topof the magnet 22 and carrying a latch 39, which is engaged with a detent40 when the core-section 35 is attracted, so that the switch parts 41 42may be maintained in the positions to which they are moved by anabutment of insulating material provided upon the arm 38, the switchelement 41 being moved from its normal contact 44 into engagement withits alternate contact 69, while the switch element 42 is moved intoengagement with its contact 45,

with the results hereinafter to be set forth. The releasing-magnet 23also has its winding shown in longitudinal section for the sake ofclearness of illustration and desirably, also, has its bore providedwith a lining of nonmagnetic material, desirably in the form of a brasstube 46, to which is secured the stationary section 47 of an iron coreand within which is adapted to reciprocate the section 48 of said ironcore, normally held against a stop 49 by means of a retractile spring50. A bar 51 is attached to the core element 48 and is projected overthe magnet-winding 23, similar to the bars 29 and 38. This bar isprovided with prongs 48 48 that are respectively designed for engagementwith the pawl 30 and the dog 32. YVhen alternating or wave-form currentfrom the generator 8 is impressed upon the winding 23, the core element48 is attracted. The pawl 30 and the dog 32 are elevated by means of theprongs 48 48 to remove the same from mechanical relation with the wheel31, whereupon the coil-spring 31, attached to the said wheel, mayrestore the same to its initial position determined by a stop 31 and afinger 52, mounted upon the said wheel. A return of the wheel to itsinitial position is accompanied by the engagement between the finger 52and the projecting end of the latch 39, whereby the spring 37 maywithdraw the said latch and permit the springs 41 42 to as sume thenormal positions illustrated. A setting of the wheel 31, accomplished bythe selector-magnet 21, brings the finger 52 into engagement with aswitch element or spring 53 to effect connection between the spring 53and the switch element or spring 54, with the results hereinafter to beset forth. The distances between the spring or switch elements 53 andthe fingers 52 at the different stations vary, the variations of thesedistances preferably corresponding to a tooth-space of the wheel.

The telephone and signal apparatus at each station is preferably thatillustrated at station A, where I have shown a telephone switch-hook 56,designed to support a 'tele phone-receiver 57, having one terminalnormally connected with limb 1 and with the spring 54 and having itsother terminal connected, through the secondary 58 of an induction-coil,with a terminal 59, that may be engaged with the terminal 60 upon theelevation of the switch-hook 56 when the receiver is removed therefrom.One terminal of the re ceiver is connected with the limb 2 of thetelephone-line when the latch 39 is engaged with the detent 40, suchconnection being efiected by way of the switch element 45 and thecondenser 63. While I prefer to control the complete connection of thereceiver with the telephone-line through the agency of my improvedapparatus, I do not wish to be limited to such control in allembodiments. The primary circuit provided for the subscribers telephonicequipment and which includes the primary 64 and the battery 65 is closedwhen the switch-hook is elevated by way of the switch-hook and theswitch-contact 60. The signal receiver or bell 66 has its connectionwith the telephone line controlled by the switch elements 67 69 41, thiscircuit being adapted to be closed through the agency of the magnet 22when it brings the switch parts 41 and 69 together when the switch hookis depressed, for such depression of the switch-hook brings the contacts67 68, forming a part of the bell-circuit, together. In order that myinvention may be adapted to existing substation equipments, the ordinarypolarized bell may be retained, providing a contact in separablerelation with the armature is employed, said contact being normally inengagement with said armature. The ends of the cores of the bell opposedto the armature have produced therein poles of unlike sign. I believe itto be new with me to provide a signal-bell of this description. For thepurpose of operating the bell 66 current is so directed. frombattery-section 9 through the said bell as to cause the armature to beswung in a clockwise direction to strike the lefthand gong, the spring71 upon the breakage of the circuit at 70 returning the clapper tostrike the right-hand gong, this operation being continued as long asthe bat {PAR 9 is thus included in circuit with said ')e I will nowdescribe the manner in which the apparatus of my invention is operated.It is of course understood that any line con nected with the exchangemay have connection with a party-line and any station on the party-linethat I have indicated, so the operation of my apparatus will be readilyunderstood by describing the manner in which any two stations on thesame line may be connected. If a subscriber on the line initiates acall, he operates his generator 72 in normally open circuit, theoperating mechanism of the generator closing a bridge of the line thatpreferably includes the generator to effect the operation of theline-signal 4, this bridge being preferably an independent one. Themagnet 23 is of such high resistance that the generator 72 will noteffect its operation, the said generator being limited to the operationof the signal 4, which is of low resistance, this generator being alsoadapted to operate the clearing-out drop 19 in the cord-circuit afterconnection has been established between the party-line and another line,which drop 19 is desirably in bridge of the cord-circuit and is also oflow resistance, but high impedance. The operator inserts the plug 6within the line-jack 3 and moves the knob or wedge of the key 14 to theright to bring the battery 9 into connection with the alternate contactsof the springs 11 12, whereafter the operator moves the wedge or knob ofkey 13 to the right to connect the sections of the cordstrand belongingto the plug 6 with the battery 9. The plug 6 being within the jack 3,circuit through the magnet 21 is closed, as said magnet is included incircuit with the battery 9 to cause the pawl 30 to ride over a tooth ofthe ratchet-wheel 31. This'circuit may be opened either by restoring thekey 13 or the key 14 to its central position, the key 13 beingpreferably employed for this purpose, permitting the spring 28 towithdraw the pawl 30 to move the ratchet-wheel 31 a single tooth. Thisfirst movement is had in order that the operator may place herself inconnection with the calling subscriber, for the finger or post 52 thencloses the spring 58 against its contact to connect the callingsubscriber telephonically with the party-line. The telephonic circuitsat all of the stations on the line are thus changed at 58; but obviouslythe telephonic circuit is only complete at that station where thereceiver is removed from its switch-hook. This operation is essential inthe apparatus illustrated, though it is not essential in all embodimentsof my invention, for with the apparatus illustrated I am enablednormally to effect entire disconnection of the telephonic and signalreceiving apparatus at the substations from the party-line, the onlyapparatus that is normally associated with the party-line at thesubstations being the signalgenerator 72. Therefore in the embodiment ofthe invention illustrated, after having as certained the connectiondesired and the number of the calling subscriber and assuming in thepresent case that the calling subscriber desires connection with asubscriber upon another line, the operator steps the wheel 31 arounduntil the finger 52 is in en'- gagement with the spring 53 to close thecontacts 53 54 together to connect the magnet 22 with the party-line,such connection being preferably in bridge of the party-line, whereafterthe position of the master-key 14 is moved to the left, to bring bothbattery-sections 9 10 as one battery in circuit with the line, the knobor wedge of key or switch 13 having been moved to the right, whereby thecore 35 is moved to accomplish results to be presently stated. While themagnet 21 at the same time causes an operation of the core 26, there isno immediate change in the position of the wheel 31, because this changehas to be effected by the spring 28, and this is an important feature ofmy invention. WVhen the core element 35 is attracted, the springs 41 42are moved into connection with the contacts 69 and 45, respectively,whereby the connection of the calling-subscribers telephone with theline is again effected to permit the calling subscriber to converse withthe called subscriber. When the core 35 has been attracted, circuitthrough the magnets 21 22 is opened at the springs 41 44, whereupon thefinger or post 52, previously engaged with the spring 53, is moved.beyond the spring, said finger 52 no longer having to perform a functionuntil the releasing operation to be setforth. The magnet 22 ispreferably of high resistance with respect to the magnet 21, so that thebattery 9 acting alone will not operate the magnet when it is includedin circuit at the same time with the magnet 21. By providing theelements 41 44 and the mechanical operation of the pawl 30 it isimmaterial whether or not the magnet 21 is energized at the same timewith the magnet 22, for when the springs 41 44 have been operated by thearm 38 there is no further need for contact between the elements 53 54,and, in fact, the finger 52 moves one step farther and beyond theelement 53 when the parts 41 42 have been moved in the manner specified,though I do not wish to be limited to this characteristic. There is, asa matter of fact, an advantage in having the finger 52 move beyond theelement 53, because the magnet 22 has both of its terminals disconnectedfrom the party-line, though in the apparatus illustrated only oneterminal 44 of the magnet 21 is at this time disconnected. In order thatthe operator may release the key 13, the latch 39 is provided, which isengaged with the detent 40 when the core element 35 is attracted. Withthe construction of cord-circuit illustrated it is necessary to restorethe key 13 to its central position, in which case the elements 39 40 ortheir equivalent are essential. l/Vhen a calling subscriber whosestation is on a partyline thus has his apparatus connected with the linefor conversation with a called subscriber upon another line, obviouslythe subscribers at the other stations of the partyline are disconnectedfrom the line and cannot listen in to the conversation. Nhere, however,secrecy is not desired, it will only be necessary to turn the wheel 31one tooth in order to place the calling and called subscribers herespoken of in connection. Assuming that the calling subscriber desiresconnection with a subscriber at another station upon the same party-linethe call is sent in to the operator, and the operator ascertains theconnection desired and the number of the calling subscriber in the wayhitherto stated, the operator rotates the wheel 31 a number of stepscorresponding to the calling or called subscriber, according to which isthe lower or higher numbered subscriber, first to bring the finger 52into engagement with the spring 53 to close the elements 53 54 andthereafter to effect the attraction of the core element 35 to bring theparts 41 42 into connection with the elements 69 and 45, respectively.The operator then proceeds to step up the wheel 31 of the remainingsubscriber to associate his apparatus with the party-line, one of suchsteps having been accomplished when the elements 41 44 were separated atthe previous station, because of the operation of the spring 28, theremaining steps in such operation of the wheel at the remainingsubscribers station being accomplished by the operation of the key 13 ina manner hitherto set forth. One or the other of the subscribers thusconnected with the party-line may be the called sub- I scriber, and hissignal-receiver 66 is connect ed in circuit with the telephone-line,such a circuit connection being traced from the limb 1 to the contact62, the contact 61 to the signal-receiver 66 to the armature thereof,the contact 7 O for the armature, the contacts 67 68, the spring 69, thecontact 41, to the side 2 of the line, the condenser 63 being providedto prevent the flow of current from the battery-sections 9 10 or eitherof them through the telephone-receiver and through the magnet 23. Thesignaling-current is preferably a direct current furnished from thebatterysection 9, and to impress this current upon the line the knobs orwedges of keys 13 14 are moved to the right, whereby the said battery isincluded in circuit with the now connected bell 66 at thecalled-subscribers station, the bell at the calling-subscribers stationbeing removed from the line because of the elevation of the switch-hook,which has to be depressed and is depressed at the called-subscribersstation to include the signal-receiver in circuit. The relays of bell 66are wound to produce poles of diiferent signs near the polarizedarmature, the said armature being so polarized that whenever currentfrom the battery 9 only is passed through said bell the armature will bemoved against the force of the spring 71 to cause the clapper of thebell to strike the left-hand gong and to open the circuit including saidbattery 9 at 7 O, whereupon said spring will force the movement of theeratlon being continued as long as the signaling-current from thebattery 9 is in connection with the telephone-line and until the calledsubscriber removes his telephone from its switch-hook. l Vhen theparty-line is to be thrown out ofservice, all of the ratchet-wheels 31belonging to the subscribers stations upon the line are to be restoredto their normal positions, which result is accomplished byincluding thesource of wave-form current 8 in circuit with the line, to which end thekey 14 remains in a central position and the wedge of key 13 is moved tothe right,whereby the Winding 23 is subject to current from the waveformgenerator 8 to effect the attraction of the core 48 to lift the pawl 38and the dog 32 from the wheel 31 to permit the spring 31 to restore thefinger 52 (at each station) to engagement with the stock 31 As thefinger 52 is restored it engages the latch 39 to lift the same fromengagement with the detent 40, where upon the spring 37 Withdraws thearm 38 to permit of the restoration of the parts 41 42 to their normalidle conditions. After the generator 8 is removed from the line by therestoration of the key 13 the core element 48, that previously effectedrelease of the elements 3O 32, is restored by the spring 50. In orderthat the generator 8 may not effect the operation of the signal 66 ofthe stations selectively connected with a party-line, I proclapper tostrike the companion gong, this opswitching mechanism at the exchangevide the switch elements 61 62-, through which the signalcircuit isnormally completed, but which is separated by means of a post 73,operated by the core element 48 and whichengages the spring 61, toseparate it from its contact 62 when the core element 48 is attractedmagnetically. I do not wish to be limited, however, to this particularway of opening the signal-circuit upon the release of the mechanism atselected stations.

It will be seen that in order to effect the operation of each wheel 31the magnet 21 has only a uniform load. imposed thereupon, for it doesnot have to'operate against the force of the spring 31. The force of thespring 31 as it is wound is only opposed by the spring 28, which may bemechanically adjusted with reference to the spring 31 to secure as fulla rotation of the wheel 31 as is desired. In other words, the only workthat the magnet 21 has to perform is to move the pawl 32 to escape atooth of the wheel 31, which work is uniform irrespective of theposition of the wheel 31.

While I have shown a manually-operated selecting-key 13 of theoscillating type, I do not wish to be limited to the form of selectingthat I have shown, as any suitable selecting mechanism may be employedat the exchange for the purpose of my invention.

It will be seen that I have eliminated all ground connections from theelectromagnetic mechanism entering into the apparatus of my invention,the circuits governing said mechanism being metallically connected withthe party-line.

The means that I prefer to employ for restoring the ratchet-wheelresides in a spring.

In some of the claims I speak of breaking the engagement of the detentin the sense of unlocking the switching mechanism. Mere contact of thedetent and switching mechanism is not an engagement here contemplated,for such more contact may not lock the switch.

It is obvious that many changes may be made in the apparatus and circuitarrangements that I have illustrated without departing from the spiritof my invention, and I do not, therefore, wish to be limited to theprecise apparatus and circuit arrangement shown; but,

Having thus claim as new and. desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. Atelephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stations associatedtherewith to constitute the same a party telephone-line, each of said.subscribers stations including selecting switching mechanism. having amagnet in circuit relation with the line, a ratchetwheel, a pawloperated by the magnet to escape the teeth of the ratchet-wheel, aspring operating upon the pawl to cause the same to described myinvention, I

move the ratchet-wheel, and a second magnet governing the circuit of theaforesaid magnet.

2. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated therewith to constitute the same a party telephone-line, eachof said subscribers stations including selecting switching mechanismhaving a magnet in circuit relation with the line, a ratchetwheel, apawl operated by the magnet to escape the teeth of the ratchet-wheel, aspring operating upon the pawl to cause the same to move theratchet-wheel, and a second magnet in circuit relation with theparty-line governing the circuit of the aforesaid magnet.

3. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated. therewith to constitute the same a party telephone-line,each of said subscribers stations including selecting switchingmechanism having a magnet in circuit relation with the line, a ratchetwheel, a pawl operated by the magnet to escape the teeth of theratchet-wheel, a spring operating upon the pawl to cause the same tomove the ratchetwheel, a dog preventing premature restoration of saidwheel, and a releasing-magnet for moving said pawl and dog out ofmechanical relation with the ratchetwheel to permit its restoration.

4. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated. therewith to constitute the same a party telephone-line,each of said subscribers stations including selecting switchingmechanism having a magnet in circuit relation with the line, aratchetwheel, a pawl operated by the magnet to escape the teeth of theratchet-wheel, a spring operating upon the pawl to cause the same tomove the ratchet-wheel, a second. magnet governing the circuit of theaforesaid. magnet, a dog preventing premature restoration of said wheel,and a releasing-magnet for moving said pawl and dog out of mechanicalrelation with the ratchet-wheel to permit its restoration.

5. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated therewith to constitute the same a party telephone-line, eachof said subscribers stations including selecting switching mechanismhaving a magnet in circuit relation with the line, a ratchetwheel, apawl operated by the magnet to escape the teeth of the ratchet-wheel, aspring operating upon the pawl to cause the same to move theratchet-wheel, a second magnet in circuit relation with the party-linegoverning the circuit of the aforesaid magnet, a dog preventingpremature restoration of said wheel, and. a releasing-magnet for movingsaid pawl and dog out of mechanical relation with. the ratchetwheel topermit its restoraion.

6. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated therewith to constitute the same a party telephone-line,

ICC

each of said subscribers stations including selecting switchingmechanism having a magnet in circuit relation with the line, aratchetwheel, a pawl operated by the magnet to escape the teeth of theratchet-wheel, a spring operating upon the pawl to cause the same tomove the ratchet wheel, a second magnet governing the circuit of theaforesaid magnet, a dog preventing premature restoration of said wheel,and a releasing-magnet in circuit relation with the line for moving saidpawl and dog out of mechanical relation with the ratchet-wheel to permitits restoration.

7. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated therewith to constitute the same a party telephone-line, eachof said subscribers stations including selecting switchingmechanismhaving a magnet in circuit relation with the line, a ratchetwheel, apawl operated by the magnet to escape the teeth of the ratchet-wheel, aspring operating upon the pawl to cause the same to move theratchet-wheel, a second magnet in circuit relation with the party-linegoverning the circuit of the aforesaid magnet, a dog preventingpremature restoration of said wheel, and a releasing-magnet in circuitrelation with the line for moving said pawl and dog out of mechanicalrelation with the ratchet-wheel to permit its restoration.

8. A party-line subscribers station having selecting switching mechanismincluding a magnet, step-by-step mechanism operated through the agencyof said magnet, which thus constitutes a selecting-magnet, agoverning-magnet, switching mechanism operated by the governing-magnetand controlling the circuit of the selecting-magnet, detent mechanismfor holding the latter switching mechanism in the position to which itis operated by the governing-magnet, and a releasing magnet andmechanism operated thereby for releasing the detent mechanism to permitof restoration of the latter switching mechanism.

9. A party-line subscribers station having selecting switching mechanismincluding a magnet, step-by-step mechanism operated through the agencyof said magnet, which thus constitutes a selecting-magnet, agoverning-magnet, switching mechanism controlling the circuits of theselecting magnet and signal-receiver, detent mechanism for holding thelatter switching mechanism in the position to which it is operated bythe governing-magnet, and a releasing-magnet and mechanism operatedthereby for releasing the detent mechanism to permit of restoration ofthe latter switching mechanism.

10. A party-line subscribers station having selecting switchingmechanism including a magnet, step-by-step mechanism operated throughthe agency of said magnet, which thus constitutes a selecting-magnet, agoverning-magnet, switching mechanism governing the circuits of theselecting-magnet and telephone, detent mechanism for holding the latterswitching mechanism in the position to which it is operated by thegoverningmagnet, and a releasing-magnet and mechanism operated therebyfor releasing the detent mechanism to permit of restoration of thelatter switching mechanism.

11. A party-line subscribers station having selecting switchingmechanism including a magnet, step-by-step mechanism operated throughthe agency of said magnet, which thus constitutes a selecting-magnet,agoverning-magnet, switching mechanism governing the telephone,signal-receiver and selectingmagnet circuits, detent mechanism forholding the latter switching mechanism in the po sition to which it isoperated by the governing magnet, and a releasing magnet and mechanismoperated thereby for releasing the detent mechanism to permit ofrestoration of the latter switching mechanism.

12. A party-line subscribers station having selecting switchingmechanism including a releasing-magnet for restoring the selectingmechanism to its normal condition, and a switching device operated bythe releasingmagnet for opening the signal-receiving cir cuit.

13. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated therewith, to constitute the same a party telephone-line,each of said subscribers stations including selecting switchingmechanism having a magnet in circuit relation with the line, aratchetwheel, a pawl operated by the magnet, to escape the teeth of theratchet-wheel, a spring operating upon the pawl, to cause the same tomove the ratchet-wheel in one direction, a spring for effecting themovement of the ratchet-wheel in a reverse direction, and a secondmagnet governing the circuit of the aforesaid magnet.

14. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated therewith, to constitute the same a party telephone-line,each of said subscribers stations including selecting switchingmechanism having a magnet in circuit relation with the line, aratchetwheel, a pawl operated by the magnet, to escape the teeth of theratchet-wheel, a spring operating upon the pawl, to cause the same tomove the ratchet-wheel in one direction, a spring for eflecting themovement of the ratchet-wheel in a reverse direction, and a secondmagnet in circuit relation with the party-line governing the circuit ofthe aforesaid magnet.

15. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated therewith, to constitute the same a party telephone-line,each of said subscribers stations including selecting switchingmechanism having a magnet in circuit relation with the line, aratchetwheel, a pawl operated'by the magnet, to es- IIO ratchet-wheel ina reverse direction,

cape the teeth of the ratchet-wheel, a spring operating upon the pawl,to cause the same to move the ratchet-wheel in one direction, a springfor effecting the movement of the ratchet-wheel in a reverse direction,a second magnet governing the circuit of the aforesaid magnet, a dogpreventing premature restoration of said wheel, and a releasing-magnetfor moving said pawl and dog out of mechanical relation with theratchet-wheel, to permit its restoration.

16. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated therewith, to constitute the same a party telephone-line,each of said subscribers stations including selecting switchingmechanism having a magnet in circuit relation with the line, aratchetwheel, a pawl operated by the magnet, to escape the teeth of theratchet-wheel, a spring operating upon the pawl, to cause the same tomove the ratchet-wheel in one direction, a spring for effecting themovement of the ratchet-wheel in reverse direction, a second magnet incircuit relation with the party-line governing the circuit of theaforesaid magnet, a dog preventing premature restoration of said wheel,and a releasinganagnet for moving said pawl and dog out of mechanicalrelation with the ratchet-wheel, to permit its restoration.

17. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated therewith, to constitute the same a party telephone-line,each of said subscribers stations including selecting switchingmechanism having a magnet in circuit relation with the line, aratchetwheel, a pawl operated by the magnet, to escape the teeth of theratchet-wheel, a spring operating upon the pawl to cause the same tomove the ratchet wheel in one direction, means for effecting themovement of the ratchet-wheel in a reverse direction, and a secondmagnet governing the circuit of the aforesaid magnet.

18. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated therewith, to constitute the same a party telephone-line,each of said. subscribers stations including selecting switchingmechanism having a magnet in circuit relation with the line, aratchetwheel, a pawl operated by the magnet, to escape the teeth of theratchet-wheel, a spring operating upon the pawl, to cause the same tomove the ratchet-wheel in one direction, means for effecting themovement of the and a second magnet in circuit relation. with theparty-line governing the circuit of the afore said magnet.

19. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociatedtherewith, to constitute the same a party telephone-line, eachof said subscribers stations including selecting switching mechanismhaving a magnet in circuit relation. with the line, a ratchettiveassociation the line at a selected station,

generator from the line,

wheel, a pawl operated by the magnet, to escape the teeth of the'atchet-wheel, a spring operating upon the pawl, to cause the same tomove the ratchet-wheel in one direction, means for effecting themovement of the ratchet-wheel in a reverse direction, a second magnetgoverning the circuit of the aforesaid magnet, a dog preventingpremature restoration of said wheel, and a releasing-magnet for movingsaid pawl and dog out of mechanical relation with the ratchet-wheel, topermit its restoration.

20. A telephone-line having a plurality of subscribers stationsassociated therewith, to constitute the same a party telephone-line,each of said subscribers stations including selecting switchingmechanism having a magnet in circuit relation with the line, aratchetwheel, a pawl operated by the magnet, to escape the teeth of theratchet-wheel, a spring operating upon the pawl, to cause the same tomove the ratchet-wheel in one direction, means for effecting themovement of the ratchet-wheel in a reverse direction, a second magnet incircuit relation with the party-line governing the circuit of theaforesaid magnet, a dog preventing premature restoration of said wheel,and a releasing-magnet formoving said. pawl and dog out of mechanicalrelation with the ratchet-wheel, to permit its restoration.

21. A party telephone-line extending from a plurality of subscribersstations to an exchange, each subscribers station having thereat asignaling-generator, a signal re ceiver or bell, switching mechanismserving, when unset, to permit of operative association between thesignaling-generator and the line and between the telephone and the line,and, when actuated, to dissociate the generator and telephone from theline, additional switching mechanism for establishing operabetween. thetelephone and a detent engaging an actuated portion of the additionalswitching mechanism to hold the same in the position. to which it isset, electromagnetic apparatus governing the aforesaid switchingmechanisms and also operating to break the engagement of the detent at aselected station, and apparatus at the exchange for governing theoperation of the electromagnetic mechanisms at the different stations.

22. A party telephone-line extending from a plurality of subscribersstations to an exchange, each subscribers station having thereat asignaling-generator, a signal receiver or bell, switching mechanismserving, when unset, to permit of operative association between thesignaling-generator and the line, and, when actuated, todissociate theadditional switching mechanism for establishing operative associ ationbetween the telephone and the line at a selected station, a detentengaging an. actuated portion of the additional switching mechanism tohold the same in the position to which it is set, electromagneticapparatus governing the aforesaid switching mechanisms and alsooperating to break the engagement of the detent at a selected station,and apparatus at the exchange for governing the operation of theelectromagnetic mecha11 isms at the different stations.

23. A party telephone-line extending from a plurality of subscribersstations to an exchange, each subscribers station having thereat asignaling-generator, a signal receiver or bell, switching mechanismserving, when unset, to permit of operative association between thesignaling-generator and the line, and, when actuated, to dissociate thegenerator fromthe line, additional switching mechanism for establishingoperative associ ation between the signal-receiver and the line at aselected station, a detent engaging an actuated portion of theadditional switching mechanism to hold the same in the position to whichit is set, electromagnetic apparatus governing the aforesaid switchingmechanisms and also operating to break the engagement of the detent at aselected station, and apparatus at the exchange for governing theoperation of the electromagnetic mechanisms at the different stations.

24. A party telephone-line extending from a plurality of subscribersstations to an exchange, each subscribers station having thereat atelephone, switching mechanism serving, when unset, to permit ofoperative association between the telephone and the line, and, whenactuated, to dissociate the telephone from the line, additionalswitching mechanism for establishing operative asso ciation between thetelephone and the line at a selected station, a detent engaging anactuated portion of the additional switching mechanism to hold the samein the position to which it is set, electromagnetic apparatus governingthe aforesaid switching mechanisms and also operating to break theengage ment of the detent at a selected station, and apparatus at theexchange for governing the operation of the electromagnetic mechanismsat the different stations.

' 25. A party telephone-line extending from a plurality of subscribersstations to an exchange, switching mechanism for establishing operativeassociation between the tele phone and the line at a selected station, adetent engaging an actuated portion of said switching mechanism to holdthe same in the position to which it is set, electromagnetic apparatusgoverning the aforesaid switching mechanism and also operating to breakthe engagement of the detent at a selected station, and apparatus at theexchange for governing the operation of the electromagnetic mechanismsat the different stations.

26. A party telephone-line extending from a plurality of subscribersstations to an exchange, switching mechanism for establishing operativeassociation between the telephone and the line at a selected station, adetent engaging an actuated portion of said switching mechanism to holdthe same in the position to which it is set, electromagnetic apparatusgoverning the aforesaid switchin mechanism and also operating to breakthe engagement of the detent at a selected station, and apparatus forgoverning the oper-' ation of the electromagnetic mechanisms at thedifferent stations.

27. Substation apparatus for party telephone-lines, including switchingmechanism serving to control the association of the telephone with theline, a detent for holding the switching mechanism in the position towhich it has been actuated, and electromagnetic mechanism for operatingthe said switching mechanism, to permit the detent to engage switchingmechanism, in combination with switching apparatus at an exchange foreffecting the operation of said electromagnetic mechanism.

29. A party telephone-line extending from a plurality of substationssignaling generators at the substations, switching mechanism forestablishing operative association between the signaling-generators andthe line at the diderent stations, electromagnetic apparatus aforesaidswitching mechanism, and apparatus at the exchange for governing theoperation of the electromagnetic mechanisms at the different stations.

to an exchange, I05

governing the 30. A telephone-line extending from a sub- I I 5 stationto an exchange, a signaling-generator at the substation, switchingmechanism for establishing operative association between the generatorand the line, electromagnetic mechanism governing the operation of theswitching mechanism, and apparatus at the exchange for governing theoperation of the electromagnetic mechanism.

In witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name this 10th day of March,A. D. 1905.

EDWARD A. BUELL.

Witnesses:

E. L. ORAGG, M. ORAGG.

